Loretta Parrish Cato

Mrs. Loretta Parrish Cato, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, in May and Smith Funeral Home Chapel, in Sandersville. Her family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. and continue until the hour of service. A graveside committal will follow at Warthen United Methodist Church Cemetery. Her brother, Reverend Gary Parrish, and other family members will officiate. Her grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Mrs. Cato was born and raised in LaGrange, Georgia, in Troup County. After graduating from high school, she met the love of her life, Albert Cato, of Washington County. Together, they made their home on Mills Lindsay School Road at their beloved farm, where Loretta raised her family and devoted herself to homemaking. She was an avid gardener who loved life on the farm and cooking for family and friends.

For many years, she served as office manager and bookkeeper for Murphy and Palmer Seed Company, retiring from the company. Loretta was an active member of Warthen United Methodist Church and, more recently, attended Union Baptist Church. She was a dedicated member of the Historical Society and volunteered with the Washington County Genealogical Center. She was also a member of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution and a 42-year member of the Washington County Pilot Club. She served as the club’s president and was especially proud of her 40 years of perfect attendance. In addition to her husband, Albert, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Andrew Collings.

She is survived by her three children, Timothy “Tim” Cato of Sandersville, Rebian Brookins of Sandersville, and Jonathan Cato and his wife, Pam, of Milledgeville; five grandchildren, Michelle Helton and her husband, Kevin, Wesley Cato and his wife, Ashley, Caleb Ellington, Calla Brookins and her husband, Angus Yim, and Michael Cato; and five great-grandchildren, Tyler Helton, Dylan Helton, Matthew Helton, Parrish Yim, and Cato Yim. She is also survived by her brother, Reverend Gary Parrish, and his wife, Shelby, of Newnan.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Warthen United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund or the Washington County Genealogical Center.

Online condolences may be shared at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.

May and Smith Funeral Directors of Sandersville is in charge of arrangements.